Wondering when to hire a financial advisor?
It’s not just about how much money you make. It’s about when your finances start feeling too important or too complex to leave on autopilot.
If that sounds familiar, it might be time to bring in someone who does this full time.
Signs You Might Be Ready for Professional Advice
If you’re unsure whether it’s time to bring in a pro, here are ten signs that point to yes.
1. You’ve hit a major income or savings milestone.
Let’s say you just crossed six figures in salary or your 401(k) hit $80K. That’s the kind of moment where financial advice starts paying off. More income means more opportunity, but also more risk of missteps.
If you’re not sure where your money should go (investments, savings, debt, or taxes), that’s a clear sign.
2. Managing your finances feels like a part-time job.
Maybe you’ve got retirement accounts in three different places. Or you’re trying to track freelance income, mortgage payments, and multiple savings goals. If your financial system feels duct-taped together, it’s time for a strategy.
3. You’re facing a major life change.
Getting married? Having a baby? Receiving an inheritance? These are major financial milestones. For example, a couple combining finances or new parents setting up life insurance benefit from having a guide.
4. You’re investing, but not really sure how.
Maybe you’re maxing out a Roth IRA, holding some index funds, and gambling on crypto. But if you’re not sure why you’re doing any of that, you’re not really investing with purpose.
5. Your taxes are starting to get tricky.
Let’s say you just started freelancing, got a big bonus, or exercised stock options. Suddenly, tax prep isn’t plug-and-play anymore. A good advisor works with your CPA to help lower your tax bill, not just file it.
6. You’re reacting emotionally to money.
You panic-sold during the last market dip. Or you keep waiting for “the perfect time” to invest. These emotional swings can sabotage long-term results. An advisor helps you zoom out and stay steady.
7. Your current advisor doesn’t ask about your goals.
Maybe they check in once a year. Or maybe they only talk about investment returns. If your advisor isn’t asking about life goals, family changes, or new priorities, they’re not seeing the full picture.
Explore our guide on 7 Financial Planning Moves to Make Before You Turn 40 for insight.
8. You want to build something that lasts.
If you’re thinking beyond just paying bills, such as setting up a college fund, buying a second property, or leaving money behind, financial planning becomes a long game. That’s where pros shine.
9. You’re not sure your current plan is working.
You’ve got some savings and insurance, but no idea if it’s enough for retirement. Or if you’re on track to pay off your house. Feeling in the dark is a signal you’re ready for better visibility and better advice.
10. You want someone to connect the dots.
You’ve got a mortgage broker, a tax preparer, maybe even a robo-advisor. But no one’s looking at the whole picture. A financial advisor can bring it all together and help you make decisions with clarity.
How to Choose a Financial Advisor That Fits
Picking the right advisor isn’t just about credentials. It’s also about trust, communication, and whether they understand your life.
- Fiduciary status matters. Look for someone legally required to put your interests first.
- Ask how they’re paid. Fee-only advisors tend to be more objective than commission-based ones.
- Choose based on your life stage. A 32-year-old entrepreneur needs different advice than a 55-year-old retiree.
- Pay attention to the first meeting. If they do all the talking or skip the personal stuff, keep looking.
Need more help? Check out NerdWallet’s guide to finding the right financial advisor.
Is It Time to Level Up?
Still wondering when to hire a financial advisor? It comes down to this: if your money is growing, your life is shifting, or your financial to-do list keeps getting longer, it’s probably time.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just be ready to ask smarter questions, take control, and make moves that align with your future. The right advisor helps you do exactly that.
